Lennox Lewis: Wilder Should Get 60 To Joshua’s 40

Former world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis feels that Deontay Wilder does not deserve an even 50-50 split with Anthony Joshua, but he deserves something close.

On Twitter this weekend, Lewis could claim that a 60-40 split, with Joshua as the A-side would be a reasonable number for both fighters.

AJ v Wilder the biggest fight in the HW division. They will BOTH make more than each ever has… because they BOTH bring a level of interest to match. It’s what fans want to see. Negotiations should reflect that! I would say 60-40 split in AJ favour at Wembley for first fight!

Not just ANY belt, THE CROWN JEWEL among belts. It deserves respect! There is no doubt AJ is the A-side… but u can’t just steamroll Wilder. This is the biggest fight that can be made for a reason… BOTH will bring extreme interest. two undeafeated champs for UNDISPUTED! 👍🏾 https://t.co/zYeIhofzjd

I’m very familiar with the process that gets in way of big fights. Negotiations are just that. Each side fights for what they want. It’s give and take… but the upside of #JoshuaWilder for the fighters AND the fans should make this fight a reality. Cooler heads prevail!

While both fighters were negotiating for a September showdown, the WBA would force Joshua to make a deal with his mandatory challenger, Alexander Povetkin, taking that September spot. Wilder has been openly frustrated with the situation, claiming he may not even want the fight which would be in April at Wembley Stadium.

The biggest sticking point outside of location, was the payday for both fighters, where Wilder is currently being offered $15 million for an April fight, after Wilder’s team would offer $50 million guaranteed to Joshua for a fight, which Hearn and Joshua balked at.